MADRID — The Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid showcased a gathering of global athletes, second only to the Olympics. Novak Djokovic presented the World Sportsman of the Year award to Mondo Duplantis on Monday evening.
Tennis stars Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Paula Badosa, and her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas were also present. The couple, dressed in white, attracted attention and their photos were quickly circulated worldwide. It marked their first public event together, and they expressed their excitement about being there.
On Tuesday, Badosa, currently ranked No. 9 in the PIF WTA Rankings and Spain`s major hope, spoke to the media at the Mutua Madrid Open. Transitioning from the glamorous red carpet to the physical demands of tennis, especially on clay, is a significant shift.
During her media appearances, the recurring question for Badosa was about her back, an injury that has troubled her for almost two years.
“My back is improving, slowly but surely,” she told wtatennis.com. “This injury has been challenging, unlike my previous one. It affected the nerves, causing constant pain.
“My daily life was severely impacted; I could barely get off the couch.”
No Spanish woman has reached further than Badosa`s semifinal appearance in Madrid in 2021, though her record in the last three years is 3-3.
Three years prior, she achieved her highest ranking at No. 2. However, a back injury in 2023 sidelined her for the last five months of the season. In 2024, her performance gradually improved. Badosa won the Mubadala Citi D.C. Open, reached the semifinals in Cincinnati, the quarterfinals at the US Open, and the semifinals in Beijing.
She concluded the season near the Top 10, and a semifinal spot at this year’s Australian Open brought her back into the elite group. Since then, it has been difficult. Badosa withdrew from her second match in Merida, Mexico, missed Indian Wells, and gave a walkover in Miami due to her back.
Just weeks ago, Badosa reported experiencing intense pain even when still.
“Fortunately, the treatment and injections I received have been effective,” Badosa stated. “I’m gradually recovering, yes.”
The No. 9 seed confirmed her participation in her first match on Friday, hoping to be fit enough to endure the six matches needed to win the tournament. Following a bye, her second-round opponent will be a Kudermetova sister, either Veronika or Polina.
When asked about her fitness level, whether she was at 50 percent or 75 percent, Badosa responded,
“I’m unsure. Each day I feel a little better, step by step. I hope to reach 100 percent soon, though not immediately.”
